Buddy Luigi: Only Buddy I Needed

by Rob Frasco
(NJ)

Buddy Luigi, you passed at home 5 days ago. I still can't believe you're not there when I come home. I still can't believe you're not anxiously waiting for me to wake up, take you out and feed you. It pains me to not hear your collar jingling.

You would've been 16 next week. I know that you lived a long life. A life a lot longer than was probably expected.

I'll never forget my search to find a dog like you. I visited countless shelters and fosters. Then I saw your profile on Petfinder. It said you were 3 years old. I came to where you were currently living and you came barreling around the corner, all 48 pounds of you!

I'm glad we got you down to a more comfortable weight so we could run and chase your toys, along with squirrels and birds.

You were my perfect companion. It was always me and you no matter what. I was single when we met and no matter who I dated came and went, you were always there right by my side.

You never got along with other dogs so when I met my wife, who had a dog, we worried endlessly about how we'd all co-exist.

Well when they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, you were living proof that anything is possible. Funny thing is though that I didn't even have to teach you anything.

When your hearing was bad, it was such a pleasure to see you chase your new brother when he heard the door open but you didn't. You were such a great big brother!

Buddy, I'll never have another like you. I know you waited to pass at home when mommy went to the doctor so we could be alone. It pains me to re-think seeing you pass at home.

My every day is different. I knew the time was coming but I never wanted to believe it.

I miss you so much. The void is painful. I hope you are still by my side because that's where you always were.